PAHO/WHO donates 59,030 PPEs to the Belize Red Cross and Ministry of Sustainable Development
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic donated 30,280 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the Belize Red Cross. 
The Red Cross continues to be at the forefront of the battle to alleviate the distress of Belizeans after the recent disastrous flooding from hurricanes ETA and IOTA s and because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPEs are critical for keeping the members safe as they visit the communities. Furthermore, PAHO/WHO contributed to the efforts of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management in assisting victims of the recent flooding with a donation of 20,000 units of surgical gowns, 60 non-sterile gowns, 410 goggles, 280 face shields and 8,000 units gloves. In offering the donations, Dr. Noreen Jack, PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) for Belize, said, “We are cognizant that resulting environmental conditions consequent to recent flooding pose a risk on personal and family hygiene thereby increasing the likelihood for COVID-19 infection.”
PAHO/WHO donates 119,360 PPEs to the Kolbe Foundation and Belize Central Prison, Children’s Homes and the Residential Homes for the Elderly.
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), supported by the Government of Canada donated 119,360 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to The Kolbe Foundation and Belize Central Prison in the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Ministry, the Children’s Homes and the Residential Homes for the Elderly of the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples Affairs as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The Belize Central Prison received 25,000 surgical masks, 80 non-sterile gowns, 300 goggles, 350 face shields and 53,700 pairs of gloves. In a post from his Facebook page, the Honorable Minister Kareem Musa expressed gratitude for the donations. “We recognize and appreciate this donation to the Kolbe Foundation and the Belize Central Prison,” said Minister Musa. “It touches on the reminder that the call to be safe and the reach of the threat of this pandemic requires that we support each other to get past this virus. We have an added duty to the vulnerable populations and to our people no matter where they are in the country or their stock and station within it. On behalf of the women, men and youths who are incarcerated and those who responsibly keep them through their detention back to health lives, thank you, PAHO/WHO.”
Similarly, the Children’s Homes received a timely donation of 12,500 surgical masks, 80 non-sterile gowns and 5,100 gloves and 100 face shields to contribute to the strengthening of Infection, Prevention and Control strategies against the COVID-19 pandemic. In support to the COVID-19 response particularly for the elderly, PAHO/WHO was also pleased to donate 11,850 surgical masks, 100 non-sterile gowns, 100 goggles, 100 face shields and 10,000 gloves to the Residential Homes for the Elderly.
PAHO/WHO donates 139,380 PPEs to the Belize Defense Force and National Coast Guard.
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic donated 139,380 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to The Belize Defense Force (BDF) and the Belize National Coast Guard of the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. This timely donation will aid the security forces in their work of keeping the borders safe. The BDF received 25,000 surgical masks, 150 nonsterile gowns, 500 goggles, 400 face shields and 43,700 gloves. “The equipment will be used along our borders where our soldiers interact with persons who are possible positive patients,” said BDF Brigadier General Stephen Ortega as he thanked PAHO/WHO for the valuable gift.
The Coast Guard were also presented with 25,000 surgical masks,130 non-sterile gowns, 500 goggles, 400 face shields and 43,600 gloves. “The Coast Guard and BDF are responsible for manning our borders and we have the responsibility of mitigating the cross-border threat of the coronavirus,” said Captain Gregory Soberanis. “The equipment that we have received will assist tremendously with protecting the frontline workers in the coast guard and protecting our personnel, insuring their overall health and wellbeing.” The donation of these PPEs largely supports Infection Prevention and Control within the country. With this timely and crucial donation, PAHO/WHO Belize continues to support the country and the Government of Belize to stay safe while combating the fight against COVID-19.
****
About PAHO/WHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at [email protected] or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at [email protected] or visit paho.org/en/belize.
.){kind=link}